Iron Pro: Advanced Strength Tracker for weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding

When I first played with it, it seemed great and had everything I thought I needed just for logging my workout. But after using it for a week, there are many issues that are clunky that I ended up stop using it. First of all, the app won't work on your watch unless it's connected to the phone. That was not what I was told when I emailed iron pro. So be warned if that's what you're looking for. Once you have your workout all set up and start using it in the gym, the user interface looks great but it's not practical because it's too easy to touch an area and accidentally change something. You would immediately realize what a nice look UI turns out to be quite cumbersome and prone to accidental changes. It's a distraction to me to spend time during workout to actually correct numbers rather than focusing on my workout. I'm better off with a simple notepad and a pen. Having all that said, I still agree that this is probably the better workout logging program than what are currently out there. Unfortunately better doesn't mean it works flawlessly and doesn't have its issues.

It works....for now, but the lack of any updates in over three years is concerning. It no longer works with the latest watch OS, so it’s already showing signs of obsolescence. When app was crashing, I got no response from the developer. Luckily it worked itself out. Also, while it lets you put in the plates you have, it won’t let you say how many you have of each. I use it daily, but the time left on it may be limited. If updates were regularly done, I’d consider a subscription model, because it has potential to be that good. Developers, if you’re out there, do something. If not, sell the app to another company that will so we can get updates into the future.

For the past 5 years I have used iFitness (no longer available) 5 days a week to track my lifting progress and build custom workouts. I have been very happy with the app and it’s done everything I needed. However, I recently got an Apple Watch and wanted a new app which had a watch specific interface/app so I could ditch my iphone/ipad during my workout. After trying 5 different weightlifting apps over the past 2 weeks and not really happy with any, I found Iron Pro. It is perfect! There are two big features in the watch interface that really set it apart. First, you can easily adjust the weight and reps of each set prior to logging/completing it. This is really helpful when you can bang out a couple more reps on your last set of an exercise and want to quickly log it without pulling out your phone. Second, when you click complete on a set, it automatically starts the rest counter. However, it also shows what is next. This is extremely helpful so you can remember if you need to increase the weight on the next set or what your next exercise will be without flipping screens (or again pulling out your phone). I mix in drop sets and supersets and don’t have to strain my brain to remember how to setup my next lift. If you lift and are looking to use your Apple Watch to track your workouts, trust me and my wallet, get this app! PS. The iPhone app itself is great too, haha.

This is by far one of the best weightlifting apps I've ever used. Let's go into a little more detail though. Programs. This app has a few great programs already preset, with starting weight already set (which you can easily adjust depending on your current ability). If the program calls for a percentage of your one rep max (and you set your ORM in the settings), it will set this for you. Templates. If you want to build your own routine and schedule it, it's very easy to do so. Calendar. The calendar is great for keeping track of what you've done so far and see what you've got coming up. It also works seamlessly with the workouts while you're working out so that you can see the history of what you've done with that particular exercise and can decide whether or not you want to try and push yourself with a heavier weight. Database. It has a decent size database of exercises that work while offline, which is great if you're like me and use your phone in the gym in airplane mode. Gripes/complaints. The only thing that I can complain about with this is that I'd like a better way to create my own program, instead just templates. I'd like to be able to set an end date or have it continue until I stop it, and have it increase weight at certain intervals like it does in the programs. Maybe also a way to export the history data and email it or something (though this part isn't important)

Kudos to the developer for making a user friendly app at such a low cost to the end user. This app has enough features to recognize that the developer is clearly a lifter. It tracks total volume, allows you to easily schedule/reschedule training sessions, uses audio to tell you how much rest time is remaining between sets, etc. It’s not a perfect app but I’m giving it 5 stars because it’s the best I’ve found for such a low cost to the end user. I do wish there was an easier way for the user to create long programs (4-6 weeks) and push them to the app, rather than building them out one workout at a time.